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Galloway, N.J. — �鶹��ý honored 10 of its outstanding graduates during the annual Alumni Achievement Awards on May 16. Nearly 200 guests celebrated the diverse accomplishments and contributions of the honorees to the university, their communities and professions.  

“We are proud to shine a spotlight on �鶹��ý alumni making an impact throughout the region,” said Dan Nugent, �鶹��ý’s vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the �鶹��ý Foundation. “These extraordinary Ospreys highlight the very best of �鶹��ý and what we hope for all our students as they leave campus and head off to embark on their next chapters.” 

More than 65 nominations were submitted for this year’s awards, which recognize the ways �鶹��ý alumni make a difference both on campus and beyond. The �鶹��ý Alumni Council on Engagement (ACE) reviews the nominations and selects recipients.  

“Bottom line is this is a special place. We’ve produced some remarkable individuals who have made their mark on their communities and the university," said Scott Francis '98, ACE member and emcee for the event. “Our purpose tonight is to celebrate our volunteers and leaders and recognize them for their passion and dedication.” 

The honorees shared their unique stories as they accepted their awards, and each acknowledged the crucial support they received from their families, friends and alma mater along the way. Despite their different paths, one common thread prevailed among the recipients — the acknowledgment that their success was not achieved alone, but through the nurturing support of their communities and �鶹��ý's educational foundation. 

"As a 20-year-old transfer student unsure of what my future held, �鶹��ý provided me with the skills necessary to put myself in the position to succeed at levels I could never have imagined. I'm so grateful for the �鶹��ý community for giving me the opportunity to excel," said Ike Ejikeme ’17, one of the recipients of the Volunteer Alumni Award. 

Mental health advocate and community activist Jared Lombardi ’23, recipient of the Harvey Kesselman Alumni Impact Award, courageously shared his journey battling mental illness, navigating sobriety, overcoming traumatic brain injuries and surviving thoughts of suicide. 

“Despite all the darkness in my life, I found light. And I never gave up hope after finding that light. And I hope you will do the same and understand that we have two hands. One to help ourselves and one to help another. So, open up that conversation and check in with others, ask how they are doing. Because it can save a life. I know it saved mine,” Lombardi said. 

�鶹��ý President Joe Bertolino emphasized the vital role alumni play in preserving and promoting the legacy and traditions of the university.  

“Ensuring that our values and achievements are upheld and celebrated. This word legacy is critical. I would like all our alumni to know that the real legacy you leave behind is our students. What our students learn from you, the relationships our students develop with you,” he said. 

The event underscored �鶹��ý’s dedication to